Journal Article Details

Citation:
Frounfelker, R.L., Wilkniss, S.M., Bond, G.R., Devitt, T.S., & Drake, R.E. (2011). Enrollment in supported employment services for clients with a co-occurring disorder. Psychiatric Services, 62 (5), 545-547.
Title:
Enrollment in supported employment services for clients with a co-occurring disorder
Authors:
Frounfelker, R.L., Wilkniss, S.M., Bond, G.R., Devitt, T.S., & Drake, R.E.
Year:
2011
Journal/Publication: 
Psychiatric Services
Publisher:
American Psychiatric Association
DOI:
Full text:
Peer-reviewed?
Yes
NIDILRR-funded? 
Not reported
Research design:
Database mining

Structured abstract:

Background:
People with serious psychiatric disorders often experience "co-occurring substance use disorders" (p. 545). Therefore, they require integrated services and employment offers "a meaningful activity that supports recovery" (p. 545).
Purpose:
The study examined "the relationship between co-occurring disorders and enrollment in supported employment services among clients with serious mental illness" (p. 545).
Setting:
The setting was Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers in Chicago Illinois.
Study sample:
The study sample included 1,748 clients who were admitted to Thresholds services between January 2008 and December 2009 (p. 545).
Intervention:
The intervention was supported employment for people with chronic mental illness with co-occurring substance use disorders
Control or comparison condition:
The comparison condition was supported employment for people with chronic mental illness without substance use disorders.
Data collection & analysis:
Data was retrieved from electronic medical records at Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center in Chicago and analyzed for clients admitted during a 2-year period.
Findings:
Clients with a co-occurring substance use disorder were 52% less likely to enroll in a supported employment program. However, of those that did enter the program, the competitive employment outcomes for both groups was similar.
Conclusions:
People with chronic mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders are interested in competitive employment; however, they have difficulty accessing supported employment programs and are successful once they do.
Disabilities served:
Alcohol and drug abuse
Chronic mental illness
Populations served:
Gender: Female and Male
Race: Black / African American
Race: White / Caucasian
Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino
Interventions:
Supported employment
Outcomes:
Employment acquisition